At Earlsmead, we help all children to have the knowledge, skills and values to become healthy, independent and responsible citizens in modern society.  We help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up.  We provide our children with opportunities to learn about rights, respect and responsibilities, and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society.  It also introduces them to some of the principles of financial planning and understanding.  All our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school-life and the wider community through real and life like experiences, particularly those that reflect our local area. This is because we adapt and develop our curriculum to meet the diverse needs within the school.  

PSHE is taught weekly with additional activities such as Green Days to raise awareness of mental health, anti-bullying week, careers day and charity days. PSHE is taught by the class teachers as they develop a supporting and trusting relationship with the children. 

We use the SCARF scheme of work whose whole-school approach is coherently sequenced to support us in promoting positive behaviour, mental health, wellbeing, resilience and achievement, and makes meaningful links with the real world whilst revisiting key learning regularly. However we also adapt the curriculum to reflect local and national issues when they arise.

The following topics are covered yearly: me and my relationships, valuing differences, keeping safe, rights and respect, being my best and growing and changing. 

Within these topics, the pupils are taught the following skills:

1. Communication, including how to manage changing relationships and emotions.

2. Recognising and assessing potential risks.

3. Assertiveness.

4. Seeking help and support when required.

5. Informed decision-making.

6. Self-respect and empathy for others.

7. Recognising and maximising a healthy lifestyle.

8. Managing conflict.

9. Discussion and group work.

Assessment in PSHE is not about levels or grades. Units often develop children's attributes and interpersonal skills so growth in these areas are reflected in day to day behaviours and celebrated during achievement assemblies. 

Ofsted 2025

"They enjoy their lessons and feel safe at school. They know that they have trusted adults that they can talk to about worries or concerns. The school teaches pupils how to stay healthy and safe. They learn, in an age-appropriate way, about topics such as online safety, road safety and healthy relationships. Pupils behave well. They respond positively to clear and consistently applied routines. Teachers deal with rare incidents of poor behaviour effectively."

"Pupils are polite, friendly, and welcoming. They consistently demonstrate Earlsmead’s positive learning behaviours, such as resilience, curiosity, and cooperation.Pupils play an active role in promoting positive interactions. For example, the ‘playmakers’ teach other pupils how to play together well."

"The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain. They learn about values such as tolerance, and how to look after their well-being. If pupils are worried about anything, they know that an adult will listen and provide them with the help they need.Pupils are proud of the role that they play in the community. Visits to care homes and singing carols at the gate give them a sense of social responsibility. Pupil leadership roles enable pupils to contribute meaningfully to school life."